With running back Marcus Dixon already committed, along with a host of backs at the USMAPS, that include Lonnie Liggins and Malcolm Brown, adding a second or third back to the 2009 recruiting class would solidify the recruiting at running for Army.

Two very hot prospects that currently have offers from the Black Knights, and who would make any coach smile if they were to commit, are four-star back, Dasarte Yarnway and three-star speedster, Dalton Hilliard. Both have narrowed their college list down, and neither includes Army at this stage. However, there is one player who brings explosion to any offense and although only 5-foot-7, 170 pounds, running back prospect Bobby Pettis out of Summit (Ill.) Argo Community can break open a game with one touch of the ball.

The two-star ranked running back was named this week to the list of top prospects (Top 5 Offensively) in the Chicago area to watch this season by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Presently, Pettis has one offer in hand and that is from the Black Knights of Army. He is also hearing from Purdue on a consistent basis after having a solid performance at the Boilermakers' summer camp, July 22nd. Other schools that are showing some interest in the speedy back are Iowa, Central Michigan and Western Michigan.

However, when it comes to Army, Pettis has developed a good relationship with Army running back Coach Tucker Waugh. "Coach Waugh came to my school and saw my tape and then said to me that they were going to offer me," shares Pettis as he reflects on his contact with the Army coaching staff. "Things are going with me and Coach Waugh, but I'm trying to get in touch with him, but it's been hard because of my schedule and their football practice."

Do you plan on visiting any college games this season? "I'm definitely going to make a visit to Army before I'm done with my season," says Pettis. "And Purdue invited me to attend a home game and I'm going to make that."

Although Pettis missed the first game of his junior season and was hampered throughout the year with an injured ankle, he still was able to put up impressive numbers. The Chicago prospect rushed for 1,565 and 16 touchdowns in 8 games.

This season will see Argo Community move from their tradition I formation to a spread offense and hopefully improve on their 5-4 record of last season. "I'm excited about the new offense," declares Pettis. "In the I-formation, I was just a downhill runner, but with the spread, I can show all my talents from different positions too."

GoBlackKnights.com will continue to follow the senior season and recruiting of running back Bobby Pettis.